If you're craving a delicious and quick dinner option, look no further than this Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese recipe, which is inspired by the famous dish from The Old Spaghetti Factory. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a mouthwatering pasta dish that tastes just like the original.
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
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Why You'll Love This Spaghetti with Browned Butter & Mizithra Cheese Recipe
This dish has a unique and rich flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. The combination of nutty browned butter and salty mizithra cheese creates a deliciously creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti noodles.
Plus, the quick cooking time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests just like this Lemon Caper Pasta.
With this recipe, you can recreate The Old Spaghetti Factory's Spaghetti with Browned Butter & Mizithra cheese right at home. It is just like the original! If you like copycat recipes, make sure to try Cheesecake Factory’s Louisiana Chicken Pasta and Olive Garden's Fettuccini Alfredo.
What is Mizithra Cheese?
Mizithra or myzithra cheese is a Greek cheese made with the milk and whey from either sheep or goats, or both. It is a little salty in this dish, so I would use unsalted butter and taste the spaghetti before adding any salt.
Where Can You Buy Mizithra Cheese?
I found this cheese in the specialty cheese area at my local grocery store. In fact, the container I bought is actually made by The Old Spaghetti Factory!
You can also find Mizithra cheese at many Sprouts locations as well as Trader Joe’s. There is also an option to order a pound of Mizithra cheese here from Amazon.
What is a Good Substitute for Mizithra Cheese?
If you are unable to find Mizithra cheese near you, a good substitute is Romano cheese. The Old Spaghetti Factory actually uses a blend of Romano and Mizithra at their restaurant.
If neither of those cheeses is an option for you, don’t miss out on this dish. Just use some shredded Parmesan cheese. It’s delicious too!
How to Brown Butter
Browning butter is a great way to enhance the flavor of many recipes and is probably the key ingredient of this Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese recipe. It’s actually quite easy to do, you just need to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.
- Add the butter to a pan. Use a light colored pan, if possible, to help you keep an eye on the color of the butter. Begin melting the butter over medium heat, swirling or stirring to help it cook evenly. The butter will begin to foam as you heat it.
- Continue to cook the butter until it is a carmel-brown color, then remove it from the heat and transfer it to a bowl to cool.
- Use a mesh strainer to separate the milk solids from the browned butter.
Mizithra Cheese Pasta Ingredients:
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Spaghetti Noodles: Use your favorite brand of spaghetti noodles, cooking according to the package's instructions. Angel Hair pasta or thin spaghetti is also a great choice.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe. If you only have salted butter, adjust the amount of salt added to taste.
- Mizithra Cheese: This unique cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish. It can be found in specialty cheese sections of most grocery stores.
How to Make Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese Spaghetti
[Step 1] Boil water in a large stock pot and follow the directions on the box to prepare your spaghetti noodles to your liking, then drain the noodles.
[Step 2] While the pasta is cooking, begin to brown the butter in a saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is a rich, deep golden brown color. Strain the butter through a fine mesh strainer to remove the milk solids and allow the butter to cool in a bowl.
[Step 3] Add the spaghetti to a large bowl, then sprinkle ¾ of the cheese and ¾ of the butter over the top.
[Step 4] Toss pasta to coat with the butter sauce, then divide into individual bowls. Serve, topped with the remainder of the butter and extra cheese with a little salt and black pepper, if desired.
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
Brown Butter Spaghetti Variations
- The Manager’s Favorite: This version is actually the one I order every single time. In this version, the Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra cheese is also topped with marinara sauce or meat sauce. To prepare this version, just top your spaghetti with your favorite sauce as well. It’s delicious!
- Garlic Lover’s: Add minced garlic to the browned butter before tossing with the spaghetti for a tasty garlic butter twist. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Chicken and Vegetable: For a more substantial meal, you can add chicken and vegetables such as broccoli or cherry tomatoes to the dish. Serve with a side of homemade Rosemary bread.
Browned Butter and Mizithra Broccoli
This version is absolutely delicious as well! To make, prepare the butter sauce as mentioned above. Prepare one pound of broccoli florets your favorite way. Toss the cooked broccoli with the butter sauce and Mizithra cheese.
Dessert Ideas:
- Cookie Butter No Bake Cheesecake: This is a delicious dessert option that will satisfy your sweet tooth after enjoying your homemade Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese! It features a cookie butter crust, creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and topped with whipped cream.
- Death by OREO Cupcakes: These cupcakes are a perfect option for any OREO lovers out there! The recipe features an amazing chocolate cupcake, creamy OREO filling, and topped with whipped cream and a mini OREO cookie.
- Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies: These cookies are baked in a skillet and are warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing. A delicious way to end your meal!
- Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake: This decadent cheesecake features a cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, topped with caramel and pecans. It's an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and easy dinner that still feels special. Whether you're recreating a favorite restaurant dish or trying it for the first time, this copycat recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!
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Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce Box of Spaghetti Noodles
- 1 Cup Butter
- ¾ Pound Mizithra Cheese
Instructions
- Boil water in a large stock pot.
- Follow the directions on the box to prepare your spaghetti noodles to your liking.
- While the pasta is cooking, begin to brown the butter in a saucepan.
- Melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is a rich, caramel color.
- Strain the butter through a mesh strainer to remove the milk solids and allow the butter to cool in a bowl.
- Drain the spaghetti noodles in a colander to remove the water.
- Add the spaghetti to a large serving bowl, sprinkle ¾ of the cheese and ¾ of the butter over the top.
- Toss the spaghetti to coat with the butter sauce.
- Top the noodles with the remainder of the cheese and butter.
- Serve!
Douglas Maida says
Mizithra cheese from The Old Spaghetti Factory is not at nor will be sold at any Trader Joe’s as was stated.
PJ says
It is available at Sprouts.